BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Landscape Design 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which concept describes the design approach of making a building or landscape appear to emerge naturally from its site, responding to topography and local materials?
- Biophilic design
- Organic architecture
- Regionalism (Correct answer)
- Genius loci
Correct answer: Regionalism
Regionalism is a design philosophy that responds to local climate, culture, materials, and topography, making designs feel native to and inseparable from their specific place.
Question 2: In landscape grading, a 'swale' is designed to:
- Retain water on site indefinitely
- Convey surface runoff in a controlled direction away from structures (Correct answer)
- Mark property boundaries with low plantings
- Create raised planting areas above grade
Correct answer: Convey surface runoff in a controlled direction away from structures
A swale is a shallow, vegetated channel designed to collect and direct stormwater runoff across a landscape while reducing velocity and promoting infiltration.
Question 3: Which principle of visual design describes the recurrence of similar elements at regular intervals to create a sense of movement and cohesion?
- Emphasis
- Rhythm (Correct answer)
- Dominance
- Unity
Correct answer: Rhythm
Rhythm in landscape design is achieved by repeating plants, colors, textures, or forms at regular intervals, guiding the eye through the composition and creating a sense of movement.
Question 4: What is the purpose of a 'planting palette' in landscape design documentation?
- A color wheel used to select paint for site furniture
- A curated list of plant species selected for a project, showing key characteristics and design intent (Correct answer)
- A mixing board for custom soil blends
- A tool used to physically move plants during installation
Correct answer: A curated list of plant species selected for a project, showing key characteristics and design intent
A planting palette is the designer-selected collection of plant species for a project, typically presented with botanical names, sizes, spacing, and design roles to guide both the plan and the installation.
Question 5: Which LEED credit category specifically rewards landscape designs that reduce potable water use for irrigation?
- Sustainable Sites – Heat Island Reduction
- Water Efficiency – Outdoor Water Use Reduction (Correct answer)
- Materials and Resources – Regional Materials
- Indoor Environmental Quality – Thermal Comfort
Correct answer: Water Efficiency – Outdoor Water Use Reduction
LEED's Water Efficiency category includes Outdoor Water Use Reduction credits that reward designs using drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, or eliminating irrigation entirely.
Question 6: In landscape design, 'negative space' refers to:
- Areas designated for stormwater detention with no plants
- The open, unplanted or paved areas that define and give meaning to planted masses (Correct answer)
- Spaces with poor solar access that cannot support plant growth
- Areas excluded from the design scope
Correct answer: The open, unplanted or paved areas that define and give meaning to planted masses
Negative space is the open area (lawn, pavement, water) surrounding planted masses or structures; skillfully designed negative space makes planted masses feel more intentional and powerful.
Question 7: Which factor is most critical when selecting pavement materials for a heavily shaded urban plaza in a hot climate?
- High solar reflectance index (SRI) to reduce heat island effect (Correct answer)
- Low albedo to absorb heat and warm the space
- Maximum permeability regardless of load capacity
- Matching the color of nearby building facades
Correct answer: High solar reflectance index (SRI) to reduce heat island effect
In hot climates, materials with a high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it, reducing the urban heat island effect and improving pedestrian comfort.
BLArch Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Landscape Design 4
Which concept describes the design approach of making a building or landscape appear to emerge naturally from its site, responding to topography and local materials?